Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Well, Hello There!

by

Robyn here, taking over as an editor for Craft Gossip’s Recycled Crafts section. I’m here to bring you the greatest news, tutorials, interviews, and so much more in the realm of recycled crafts.

But before we get started with all the great posts I’ve already got planned, I’d love to hear from you all … what sorts of crafts do you make with recycled items? What sort of craft ideas are you most interested in hearing about? Give it to me people, and don’t hold back! I’ll take all your advice and suggestions, and tons of great new posts, links and more!

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. Hello There! I occasionally reuse old clothes and have just done a post entitled ‘two skirts equals one bag’. So I guess I would love to see textile crafts but I love your blog anyway. It certainly keeps the mind inspired. Thankyou and welcome. Cherrie

  2. I am especially interested in crafts using recycled paper–card making, collage, zines, etc. Looking forward to your posts… 🙂

  3. I love to use old floral wire and old wire hangers to make jewelry like my Egyptian Coil Bracelet-Thing! Please see my blog. I love recycled crafts so much! You have given me so many great new ideas for recycling and upcycling everything I see!

  4. I am so excited with this website. I try to recycle everything I see :). I will look forward to your emails to get new ideas. Congratulations on becoming editor.

  5. Robyn, congrats and we look forward to seeing all the fun stuff you’re going to share with us! I coordinate the Carnival of Green Crafts for Crafting A Green World. If you’d be interested in hosting sometime, please let me know.

  6. Robyn, looking forward to new ideas for recycled crafts. I’m new to this blog/newsletter although I’ve been snooping here for a while. I try to recycle everything or at least make something old into something new. My current fave is using yarn leftover from my friend’s projects or what I buy at garage sales and such an make colorful, cute yarn dolls with my Knifty Knitter (it’s not really cheating is it?) which will be collected and sent overseas and also to foster children in my area.

Have you read?

Come On Baby, Start My Fire – DIY Firestarters

I stumbled across this brilliant little project the other day from one of my favorite upcycling bloggers, Sadie Seasongoods, and I had to share it. 

The firestarters Sadie makes are crafted from dryer lint, wax, and the cardboard bottoms of egg cartons. She even pretties them up with some dried herbs and flower petals, which honestly takes them from “I made this in my garage” to “Pinterest Queen Energy.” What I love most is how simple and budget-friendly they are. I mean, who doesn’t have dryer lint, an old candle stub, and a toilet roll lying around?

She walks you through the whole process with her usual clear instructions the end result looks more like a rustic gift item than something you’d toss into a fire pit. It’s the perfect kind of project for anyone who likes camping, cozy backyard firepits, or even just prepping for winter in a crafty way.

Other DIY Firestarter Ideas I’ve Tried (and Loved)

Feeling inspired by Sadie’s creativity, I thought I’d toss in a few of my own favorite DIY firestarter methods—because once you make one, you kinda want to try them all!

Pine Cones Dipped in Wax

This one’s a holiday fave. Gather some pine cones, melt some candle wax (crayons work too!), and dip them until they have a nice coating. You can even add a few drops of essential oils for a nice scent as they burn.

Cork Firestarters

Soak used wine corks in rubbing alcohol for about a week. Keep them in a tightly sealed jar and pull one out when needed. They light up like magic (just be safe—these burn hot and fast!).

Orange Peel Twists

Let orange peels dry and twist them into spirals. They’re flammable and naturally full of oils that help them catch easily. Plus, they smell amazing when burned!

Paper Muffin Liners + Wax + Sawdust

Pour melted wax into muffin liners filled with sawdust (or wood shavings, or even coffee grounds). Let them cool, and you’ve got sturdy little fire cakes ready to go.